Protect your family from CO poisoning

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Carbon Monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas which can be deadly.

As temperatures drop, we're more likely to need heat. The source for that heat could be leaking Carbon Monoxide. Carbon Monoxide is an odorless gas created by burning.

Gas, oil or even wood heating sources that are not working or not properly ventilated may be leaking this colorless gas into your home or business, putting you at risk for Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

Symptoms of CO poisoning can cause you to feel sleepy, dizzy or lightheaded and, if ignored, could lead to unconsciousness or death.

As we strive for more energy efficiency in our homes, our Carbon Monoxide risk increases.

Alan Sirois, Agawam Fire Chief, told 22News, "That tighter construction means there's less air exchange within the structure, which means if there is a problem with the furnace or a water heater or a stove, instead of the carbon monoxide escaping slowly into the atmosphere, it builds up quickly in the house."

Your best defense is to get a Carbon Monoxide detector for your home; in fact it's the law that you have one on every habitable floor and close to the bedrooms. It will alert you of high Carbon Monoxide before it's too late.

What may be surprising is that Chief Sirois told 22News that having your car heating up in the garage, even with the door open, can bring in harmful Carbon Monoxide into your home.